Nigeria: Suspected militants abduct hundreds of residents in Kukawa (Borno State) August 18

Event

Suspected Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) militants reportedly abducted several hundred people on Tuesday, August 18, in an attack on the Borno State town of Kukawa. Dozens of militants are reported to have entered the town in a convoy of vehicles at around 16:00 (local time) and engaged in a firefight with security forces guarding the town. However, it is currently unclear how many people were killed in the attack and where the abducted residents have been relocated.

The incident came two weeks after the community had relocated back to Kukawa after spending two years living in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps in the state capital Maiduguri. As Boko Haram and ISWAP have been pushed back from areas previously under their control, authorities in Borno State have increasingly sought to relocate IDPs, many of whom have spent years in crowded camps, back to their hometowns and villages. However, militants have continued to attack these returning communities despite attempts to improve their security.

Security operations, including airstrikes, are likely in the Kukawa district and other areas around Lake Chad.  

Advice

Those in Borno State are advised to monitor developments, remain vigilant for militant activity, and adhere to all instructions issued by the local authorities and their home governments.

The security environment in Nigeria remains complex. Professional security advice and support should be sought prior to travel.